Purpose
Washington University in St. Louis holds the safety and well-being of its students as essential to its mission. The University recognizes that, in alcohol or other drug related emergencies, the potential for University disciplinary action could act as a barrier to students who want to seek medical assistance for themselves or others.
The Medical Amnesty and Active Bystander Policy is designed to encourage students to seek medical care in an alcohol or other drug-related emergency by reducing the potential barrier of University disciplinary action in certain circumstances.
Policy
Subject to the other provisions, and unless the University determines there are special circumstances, when a student seeks aid for an individual experiencing an alcohol or other drug-related emergency by contacting emergency services, such as the Emergency Support Team (EST), the student and the individual(s) reporting the emergency will not be subject to disciplinary action in the form of University allegations of Student Conduct Code violations for the presence, possession or use of alcohol or other drugs.
The protocol covers all WashU students and student groups involved in reporting an alcohol or other drug-related emergency. This includes the student and the individual(s) reporting the emergency.
Individual student procedures
If a WashU Police Department officer, Residential Life staff member, or other University official responds to an alcohol or other drug-related emergency, they will first seek medical care for the student before documenting any other information related to the incident. Throughout the entire incident, the student’s prompt assessment, treatment and transport to an appropriate medical facility will remain the priority.
An individual student or student group that repeatedly contacts or is treated by emergency services, including EST, for alcohol or other drug-related emergencies may prompt further action from the University, and Medical Amnesty may not be extended.
University officials are the determining party for cases of Medical Amnesty. EST does not act as the determining party for if/when/how Medical Amnesty is applied to students and/or student groups.
Medical Amnesty applies both on and off campus. Students should note that the University’s Medical Amnesty & Active Bystander Policy does not govern the response of local law enforcement agencies, including their response to emergency incidents or pursuit of criminal charges.
Medical Amnesty relates only to medical emergencies involving alcohol or other drugs. It does not cover additional University policy, rule or regulation violations.
If additional University policies, rules or regulations are violated while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, even though a student or student group may receive Medical Amnesty regarding their use of alcohol or other drugs if they enacted appropriate safety measures (e.g., calling EST), they would still be held accountable for additional violations and referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Individual student requirements
After the incident, the student will be required to attend a wellness follow-up meeting with a University official and may be subject to mandatory wellness measures to further support that student. These wellness measures are not punitive but intended to be educational in order to help the student.
If the student does not comply with completing the wellness follow-up meeting with a University official, the incident will no longer qualify for Medical Amnesty. Therefore, the incident will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for disciplinary action.
Student group/chapter procedures
If a student group is involved and an individual calls for medical attention on behalf of a distressed student, that student group will be exempt from University disciplinary action, barring repeat offenses or additional violations of University policies, rules or regulations. Student groups are required to complete the requirements outlined below, to qualify for Medical Amnesty.
Student groups may also be granted Medical Amnesty when they seek assistance for a student attending their event and/or the event is in their chapter facility who is in need of treatment for an alcohol or other drug related medical emergency.
Below is the procedure for student groups to request Medical Amnesty:
- An incident must be reported to Campus Life by an executive officer of the reporting student group by completing the Student Conduct Incident Report and indicating that the student group is requesting Medical Amnesty.
- The incident must be reported within three (3) calendar days of an executive officer becoming aware of the situation.
- Within five (5) business days of the report, executive officers must provide Campus Life with all relevant details surrounding the incident including the names of all students involved, date, time, location, and detailed timeline of events.
If any additional information that was not disclosed by executive officers is discovered by University officials, the student group may become ineligible for Medical Amnesty. If the information relates to an incident for which amnesty was previously granted, the previously granted amnesty may be revoked. If any information given is found to be knowingly false, fabricated, or material details are withheld and/or deleted, amnesty will be revoked. Subsequently, the incident will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Although an investigation may occur and educational interventions may be assigned, any student group granted Medical Amnesty will not have a disciplinary record of that incident. However, if your student group is found responsible for University policy, rule or regulation violations in the future, the University may consider prior incidents in which Medical Amnesty was granted when determining Sanctions.
If a student group is not granted amnesty, or if amnesty is revoked, information gathered throughout the Medical Amnesty process may be used in future disciplinary action.
Student group/chapter requirements
In order for the incident to qualify for amnesty, the student group must comply with University officials including but not limited to the below:
- Ensure that all members fully cooperate by attending any meetings, replying to correspondence from University officials and participation in any follow-up educational requirements. This includes any related individual processes through Campus Life, the Student Health Center- Danforth Campus, Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, or chapter advisors or inter/national headquarters, if applicable.
If the student group does not comply with completing these or other requirements, the incident will no longer qualify for Medical Amnesty. Therefore, the incident will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for disciplinary action.
Revised date: January 22, 2025
Office of the Vice Chancellor for Students
Frequently-asked questions
At WashU, Medical Amnesty refers to the act of forgoing University discipline against a student or student group for the presence, possession or use of alcohol or other drugs if the student complies with the requirements of the Medical Amnesty & Active Bystander Policy.
The Medical Amnesty and Active Bystander Policy covers alcohol or other drug-related emergencies where a student or student group takes appropriate safety measures by calling emergency services.
Medical Amnesty applies only to medical emergencies involving alcohol or other drugs. Amnesty is not provided for violations of the University’s alcoholic beverages or narcotics, other controlled substances and prescription medications policies that are not perceived to involve a medical emergency. For example, an underage student who is confronted by a staff member for bringing a large amount of alcohol into their residence hall would not receive amnesty under this policy.
The Medical Amnesty & Active Bystander Policy does not cover other University policy, rule or regulation violations, such as but not limited to hazing, sexual violence, vandalism or intent and/or distribution of drugs. If additional University policies, rules or regulations are violated while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, even though a student or student group may receive Medical Amnesty regarding their use of alcohol or other drugs if they enacted appropriate safety measures (e.g., calling EST), they would still be held accountable for these additional violations and referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Additionally, if the student does not comply with completing the required wellness follow-up meeting with a University official, the incident will no longer qualify for Medical Amnesty. Therefore, the incident will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards for disciplinary action.
Furthermore, if an individual or student group has repeatedly been seen by emergency services, it is possible that Medical Amnesty may not be extended in that situation. In order to provide the best support to an individual or student group, additional resources, and/or referrals may be given.
When EST is called, a duty crew of three members arrives along with a WashU Police officer. This officer helps with managing the incident and provides additional safety measures. EST members will conduct an assessment of the patient which includes a general history, a review of their mental status, and a measurement of their vital signs. Based on this assessment, EST will then determine if the patient can be released to a sober friend or if transport to the hospital is necessary.
For individuals, if they have been seen repeatedly by emergency services, Medical Amnesty may not be granted. There is not a set number of times an individual or group can receive Medical Amnesty, but depending on the situation, different courses of action may occur in order to better support the health of the individual and group. It is the discretion of University officials to apply medical amnesty or refer the incident to the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
Yes and No. WashU protocols do not override local law enforcement, but they impact how the University moves forward with the incident. For example, if an incident involving alcohol or other drugs occurs off campus, Clayton or U-City Police may decide to issue citations to any and all students associated with the event; however, Medical Amnesty may still apply to the student(s) or student group. This means that even though a citation may have been given by the city, as a student or student group, you may be granted Medical Amnesty by the University.
No. Medical Amnesty is related to any medical emergency related to alcohol or other drug intoxication. If EST or 911 is called and an EST medic or a paramedic reports that a student does not need to go to the hospital for further evaluation, Medical Amnesty may still apply to the situation.
If your health insurance was not processed during your hospital visit (due to not having your insurance card, etc.), after you locate your health insurance card, call the hospital billing department and provide them with your health insurance information. This will allow the hospital to bill the insurance in a timely manner. If you cannot locate your insurance card, you may be able to log into the health insurance portal to view it. If you need further support, contact customer service for your health insurance. If you have the student health insurance plan, you can contact UHC Customer Service or call 866-346-4826.
If you need help paying for hospital care, consider checking with the hospital about a payment plan/financial resources they may be able to offer. The Taylor Family Center for Student Success also oversees the Student Success Fund, which may be an option for financial support.
As with many campus policies and procedures, we expect our student athletes to follow the same policies applicable to all students. Student athletes have additional rules or guidelines regarding use of alcohol and other drugs, given the impact alcohol or other drugs can have on the health and performance of a student athlete. Athletics will follow and support the Medical Amnesty policy to the extent the policy does not conflict with other NCAA, Athletics Department, or team rules and guidelines.
In order for the situation to qualify for Medical Amnesty, a student must complete a required wellness follow-up meeting with a University official. The wellness follow-up meeting with a University official is not meant to be punitive, but rather a chance for the student to share their story and for the University official to assess how the situation might be impacting them academically, professionally and personally. This wellness follow-up meeting is not a part of a student’s disciplinary record.
Wellness meetings are tailored to the individual and the situation so they will look different for everyone. Wellness meetings are not meant to be punitive, but rather a chance for the student and the professional staff member to process the events surrounding the alcohol or other drug-related incident. It is an opportunity to learn future harm reduction approaches in a supportive environment.
Any information EST collects and writes down on their trip sheets is confidential and covered by HIPAA. As such, this information remains within the medical community at WashU. The Student Health Center- Danforth Campus staff member who conducts regular wellness follow-up meetings is part of the medical community. The amnesty protocol does not affect EST’s obligation to maintain patient confidentiality and abide by HIPAA.
- Health Center: Contact the Health Center or 314-935-6666
- Residential Life: Contact the Residential Life Assistant Director for Conduct and Care or 314-935-5050
- Campus Life: Contact the Campus Life Coordinator for Education and Compliance or 314-935-3443
- Athletics: Contact Athletics or 314-935-5545
- Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards(OSCCS): Contact the Assistant Director of OSCCS or 314-935-7296